Data Structure

Definition ∞ A data structure represents a specific method for organizing and storing information within a computer system. In blockchain technology, data structures dictate how transaction records, block headers, and other protocol information are arranged and linked. These arrangements are fundamental to a blockchain’s integrity, efficiency, and security properties. Examples include linked lists for transaction ordering and Merkle trees for verifying data consistency.
Context ∞ The design of data structures is foundational to blockchain protocol efficiency and security, often discussed in technical news regarding network upgrades or new chain architectures. Optimizations in data structuring can significantly impact transaction throughput and verification times. Ongoing research in cryptography and distributed systems frequently explores novel data arrangements to enhance blockchain performance and scalability.